Patrick Oconnell
Tuna macaroni and cheese is a quick, tasty, and protein-rich meal that can be made in under 20 minutes with just one pot and a few simple, cheap, pantry ingredients. It's a great option for the whole family, even those who don't usually like fish, and can be customised with various cheeses, vegetables, and spices to suit your preferences. In this article, we'll outline a few different ways to make this delicious dish, including stovetop and baked methods, so you can choose the recipe that's right for you.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Comfort food, high-protein, family meal |
| Main ingredients | Pasta, cheese, canned tuna |
| Cheese types | Cheddar, jack, parmesan, cottage cheese, cream cheese, gouda, swiss, american, provolone, gruyere, or a mix |
| Additional ingredients | Butter, garlic, salt, pepper, milk, breadcrumbs, flour, mustard, vegetables (peas, broccoli, spinach, corn, onion, garlic, celery, bell peppers, etc.) |
| Preparation time | Less than an hour, under 20 minutes |
| Cooking method | Stovetop, baking |
| Baking temperature | 350-400°F (175-200°C) |
| Baking time | 15-25 minutes, until golden brown |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your pasta
The type of pasta you choose for your macaroni tuna cheese can vary depending on your preference and what you have available. Elbow macaroni is the standard pasta shape used for this dish, but any short pasta will work just fine. If you want to increase the protein content of your meal, you can opt for lentil or multi-grain pasta.
When cooking your pasta, follow the package directions, but remember to remove it from the heat when it is al dente, meaning cooked but still slightly firm. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. If you are not baking your macaroni, cook it according to the package instructions.
You can also adjust the amount of pasta you use to suit your preference. If you want a more pasta-heavy dish, you can double the amount of macaroni in the recipe. This will create a heartier meal and ensure that your macaroni tuna cheese is extra filling.
Remember to drain the pasta after cooking and return it to the pot or saucepan before adding the remaining ingredients. This step is crucial in preparing the pasta to absorb the flavours of the cheese sauce and other ingredients.
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Making the sauce
While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. Start by melting butter over medium heat in a large sauce pot. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened—this should take around 3 to 4 minutes. Keep whisking occasionally to prevent lumps from forming.
You can also add other ingredients to the sauce for extra flavour. Some recipes suggest adding cream cheese, mustard, or garlic salt. If you want to add some spice, include a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce. You could also swap some of the cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
Once the sauce has thickened, add shredded cheese and stir until it has completely melted. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, jack, Parmesan, or a mix of leftovers. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as the additives will prevent it from melting nicely.
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Adding the tuna
If you are making a stovetop macaroni and cheese, add the undrained tuna to the macaroni mixture and stir. Serve hot. You can also top the dish with shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with fresh herbs such as parsley before serving.
If you are making an oven-baked macaroni and cheese, add the cooked macaroni and tuna to the cheese sauce and stir well. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. You can top the macaroni mixture with panko and broil for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden. You can also cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then remove the cover and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the top is golden brown.
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Baking the dish
Baking the tuna macaroni and cheese will create a crispy top layer, adding texture and contrast to the dish. It will also enhance the flavour by allowing the cheese to caramelise and the flavours to meld.
To bake the dish, preheat your oven to 350-400°F (175-200°C). Grease a baking dish with butter. If you want a crispy topping, sprinkle the dish with breadcrumbs before baking. You can also add some shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy dish.
Cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and hot. If you want a golden, crispy top, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese sauce to thicken before serving. This resting period is important as it ensures the dish is not too runny and allows the flavours to settle.
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Serving suggestions
Tuna macaroni and cheese is a hearty, protein-rich meal that can be served as a complete dish. However, if you want to bulk it up, you can serve it with a vegetable side dish. Here are some suggestions:
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts
- Baby spinach salad
- Blistered green beans
- Air fryer butternut squash
- Sauteed onions
- Bell peppers
- Cooked broccoli
You can also add vegetables directly to the tuna macaroni and cheese. Some options include:
- Peas
- Frozen corn
- Mushrooms
If you want to make the dish even more indulgent, top it with shredded cheddar cheese, fresh herbs like parsley, or bacon. For a crispy texture, bake the macaroni and cheese in the oven before serving. You can also sprinkle on some breadcrumbs for added crunch.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need macaroni, butter, milk, cheese, and tuna. You can also add vegetables like peas, broccoli, or spinach.
Cook enough macaroni or other pasta to fill a 2-quart baking dish. This will usually be about one pound of pasta.
You can use shredded cheddar, jack, or Parmesan cheese. You can also use cream cheese or cottage cheese for a creamier dish.
Baking the dish will create a crispy top layer and enhance the flavor by allowing the cheese to caramelize. However, you can skip this step and serve the macaroni tuna cheese directly from the pan.
The total cook time is around 30 minutes, including the time to bake the dish in the oven. The dish can also be prepared ahead of time and reheated on busy nights.
